Petunia plant named ‘KLEPH07140’

ABSTRACT

A new cultivar of  Petunia  particularly characterized by a compact and mounding growth habit, white flowers, continuous flowering and very floriferous, and good tolerance to rain and wind is disclosed.

Genus and species: Petunia hybrid.

Variety denomination: ‘KLEPH07140’.

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW PLANT

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar of Petunia, botanically known as Petunia hybrid, and hereinafter referred to by the cultivar name ‘KLEPH07140’. ‘KLEPH07140’ was discovered as a seedling resulting from a cross conducted in summer 2004 in Stuttgart, Germany between the proprietary female Petunia parent, ‘W 214’ (unpatented) and the proprietary male Petunia parent, ‘J 501’ (unpatented). A single plant selection was subsequently chosen for further evaluation and for asexual propagation.

The new cultivar was created in 2004 in Stuttgart, Germany and has been asexually reproduced repeatedly by vegetative cuttings and in-vitro propagation in Stuttgart, Germany over a three year period (more than 35 generations). ‘KLEPH07140’ has been found to retain its distinctive characteristics through successive asexual propagations.

Plant Breeder's Rights for this cultivar were applied for in Switzerland on Jul. 6, 2007. ‘KLEPH07140’ has not been made publicly available more than one year prior to filing of this application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following are the most outstanding and distinguishing characteristics of this new cultivar when grown under normal commercial practices in a greenhouse in Stuttgart, Germany.

-   -   1. Compact and mounding growth habit;     -   2. White flowers;     -   3. Continuous flowering and very floriferous; and     -   4. Good tolerance to rain and wind.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPH

This new Petunia plant is illustrated by the accompanying photograph which shows flowers, flower buds and foliage; the colors shown are as true as can be reasonably obtained by conventional photographic procedures. The photograph is of a plant about 5-months old and grown from rooted cuttings in an 11-cm pot under greenhouse (glasshouse) in Stuttgart, Germany under conditions which approximate those generally used in commercial practice.

DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW CULTIVAR

The following detailed descriptions set forth the distinctive characteristics of ‘KLEPH07140’. The data which define these characteristics were collected from asexual reproductions carried out in Stuttgart, Germany. The plant history was taken on 5-month-old plants in 11-cm pots that were pinched once approximately one week after potting and grown in a greenhouse in the spring. The color readings were determined under natural light. Color references are to the R.H.S. Colour Chart of The Royal Horticultural Society of London (R.H.S.) (2001).

DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW PLANT

-   Classification:     -   -   Family.—Solanacea.         -   Genus and species.—Petunia Hybrid.         -   Common name.—Petunia. -   Parentage:     -   -   Female parent.—The proprietary Petunia parent, ‘W 214’             (unpatented).         -   Male parent.—The proprietary Petunia parent, ‘J 501’             (unpatented). -   Plant:     -   -   Form.—Compact.         -   Habit.—Mounding.         -   Height (from top of soil).—11.0 cm.         -   Width (horizontal plant diameter).—17.0 cm.         -   Propagation.—Vegetative propagation by cuttings or in vitro             propagation.         -   Time to produce a finished flowering plant.—13 weeks.         -   Time to initiate and develop roots.—18 days.         -   Root description.—Moderate density and moderate branching,             white roots. -   Stems:     -   -   Average number (basal).—6.         -   Length of basal branches (from the base of the stem to the             tip).—9.0 cm.         -   Internode length.—0.5 cm to 2.5 cm.         -   Diameter of branches (from midpoint).—1.5 cm to 6.0 cm.         -   Stem color.—RHS 137C.         -   Anthocyanin.—Absent.         -   Texture.—Smooth. -   Leaves:     -   -   Arrangement.—Alternate.         -   Size.—Length: 1.0 cm to 4.0 cm. Width: 0.5 cm to 3.5 cm.         -   Shape.—Elliptic.         -   Margin.—Weak undulation.         -   Apex.—Acute.         -   Base.—Obtuse.         -   Immature leaf.—Color: Upper surface: RHS 138A. Lower             surface: RHS 138C.         -   Mature leaf. Color: Upper surface: RHS 146A. Lower surface:             RHS 146B.         -   Texture.—Smooth.         -   Venation.—Pinnate.         -   Venation color.—Upper surface: RHS 145A. Lower surface: RHS             145B.         -   Petioles.—Length: 0.2 cm to 3.0 cm. Diameter: 0.3 cm. Color             (both upper and lower parts): RHS 138B. Texture: Smooth. -   Flower bud:     -   -   Shape.—Irregular to oblong.         -   Size.—Length: 4.0 cm. Diameter: 1.0 cm.         -   Color at tight bud.—RHS 154D.         -   Immature flower color.—RHS 155B.         -   Texture.—Pubescent. -   Inflorescence:     -   -   Blooming habit (flowering season).—Continuous flowering             during the summer.         -   Inflorescence type.—Single flower.         -   Number of flowers per node.—1.         -   Lastingness of individual blooms on the plant.—7 days.         -   Fragrance.—Absent.         -   Pedicels.—Color: RHS 137C. Length: 1.8 cm. Diameter: 0.3 cm.         -   Texture.—Smooth. -   Flowers:     -   -   Shape.—Cup-shaped.         -   Size.—Diameter (flower face): 4.5 cm. Depth (total length of             flower): 3.0 cm. Funnel: Length: 2.5 cm. Diameter (at             opening): 0.7 cm. Outside texture: Smooth.         -   Mature flower.—Face/Margin Color (both surfaces): RHS 155B.             Corolla tube: Color inside (throat): RHS 155B. Color             outside: RHS 155B. Petals: Apex: Rounded to emarginate.             Base: Reniform. Margin: Undulating. Waviness: Moderate.             Lobation: Weak. Texture: Smooth.         -   Calyx arrangement.—One star-shaped calyx tube with five             sepals fused at the base per flower.         -   Sepals.—Number: 5. Color: RHS 138A. Length: 1.8 cm. Width:             0.4 cm. Shape: Lanceolate to elliptic. Apex: Obtuse. Base:             Fused. Margin: Entire. Texture: Smooth. -   Reproductive organs:     -   -   Stamens.—Quantity: 5. Shape: Needlelike with elliptic head.             Filament: Length: 0.5 cm. Diameter: 0.1 cm. Color: RHS 150A.             Anther: Shape: Elliptic. Color: RHS 4D. Length: 0.3 cm.             Diameter: 0.2 cm. Pollen: Color: RHS 4D. Amount: Moderate.         -   Pistils.—Number: 1. Length: 0.4 cm. Diameter: 0.1 cm.             Stigma: Color: RHS 150A. Shape: Oval. Length: 1.9 cm.             Diameter: 0.1 cm. Style: Color: RHS 150C. Length: 2.0 cm.             Diameter: 0.1 cm. Texture: Fibrous. -   Fruit and seed set: None observed. -   Disease and insect resistance: Not observed.

COMPARISON WITH PARENTAL AND COMMERCIAL CULTIVARS

‘KLEPH07140’ differs from the female parent, the proprietary Petunia ‘W 214’ (unpatented) in that ‘KLEPH07140’ has a compact and mounding growth habit, while ‘W 214’ has a spreading growth habit.

‘KLEPH07140’ differs from the male parent, the proprietary Petunia‘J 501’ (unpatented) in that ‘KLEPH07140’ has a compact and mounding growth habit, while ‘J 501’ has an upright growth habit.

‘KLEPH07140’ differs from the commercial comparison variety ‘Charming White’ (unpatented) in that ‘KLEPH07140’ is tolerant to rain and wind, while ‘Charming White’ is sensitive to rain and wind. 

1. A new and distinct cultivar of Petunia plant as shown and described herein. 